Appeal Guidelines

Appeal Process

The Alarm User may appeal an assessment of a false alarm fee to the Alarm Administrator by setting forth in writing the reasons for the appeal within 15 business days after the date of the notification of the assessment of civil penalty penalties.

Appeals will be heard through the administrative process.

False Alarm Appeals Panel

The Alarm User may appeal decision of the Alarm Administrator to the False Alarm Appeals Panel as follows:

The Alarm User may file a written request for a review by paying an appeal fee of $25 and setting forth the reasons for the appeal within 15 business days after the date of notification of the decision from the Alarm Administrator. Appeal fees will be returned to the appealing Alarm User if the appeal is upheld.

The False Alarm Appeals Panel shall conduct a formal hearing within 30 days of the receipt of the request and consider the evidence by an interested Person(s). The False Alarm Appeals Panel shall make their decision on the basis of the preponderance of evidence presented at the hearing. The False Alarm Appeals Panel will render a decision within 10 days after the date of the hearing. The False Alarm Appeals Panel shall affirm or reverse the decision of the Alarm Administrator. Filing of a request for appeal shall stay the action by the Alarm Administrator requiring payment of fine, until the False Alarm Appeals Panel has completed his review.

If a request for appeal is not made within the 15 business day period, the action of the Alarm Administrator is final.

Appeal Exclusion List

Appeals will not be granted for false alarms that are the result of the following:

Alarm activations that occur while alarm technicians are repairing or servicing the alarm system

Alarms caused by Apartment Management Employees

An occurrence where no evidence of criminal activity is present

Caretakers who watch homes or businesses when owners are away and who activate the alarm in error or are not familiar with required codes or passwords

Door and/or windows that become loose and cause a break in the contacts that activate the alarm system

Faulty, defective or malfunctioning equipment supplied by an alarm business

Glass break detectors which activate due to a noise or sound other than actual glass breakage

Improper installation or maintenance by an alarm business

Improper monitoring by an alarm business

Items within the home or business that move causing motion detectors to activate (i.e. curtains, signs, balloons, etc.)

In the case of items #6 and #8 above, if you suspect the false alarm was due to faulty equipment or improper installation contact your alarm company. In such cases, the system should be inspected and repaired where necessary. If it can be determined that the cause of the alarm was the result of faulty equipment or installation, your alarm company may agree to reimburse you for the fine.

This list is only intended as a guide to assist you in deciding whether to appeal a false alarm or contact your alarm company for discussion. This list is not intended to cover every situation where an appeal may be denied.

If you have any questions or wish to file an appeal please feel free to contact us via email or call 1-877-575-0933.